Grab your jackets, pack your bags and escape to the Hunter Valley these July school holidays with the whole family. The region is bursting with family-friendly events and activities, here are a few ideas to keep the whole family entertained this winter.
School Holiday activities at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
These school holidays, escape to Rydges Resort Hunter Valley for the ultimate family adventure. Little ones can join the fun at the Water Dragons Kids Club, make a splash at the water park and get creative with pizza making and cookie decorating. Explore the resort on a scenic Kangaroo Tour aboard the Deltrain, enjoy a ride on the iconic ferris wheel and carousel and have a game on the brand-new pickleball courts! To top it all off, cosy up with fire pits and delicious smores for the perfect winter treat. Click here to learn more.
Snow Time at Hunter Valley Gardens
Step into a winter wonderland at the Hunter Valley Gardens' annual Snow Time in the Gardens event. Running throughout the school holidays, this magical experience features ice skating, snow play zones, a giant ice slide, and more. Kids can enjoy snowball fights, build snowmen, and glide across the ice rink, while parents can enjoy delicious winter treats and hot beverages. Click here to learn more.
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Open every day of the school holidays, the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is home to a wide range of animals including American Alligators, Dingos, Wombats, Zebras, meerkats, kangaroos, lions and a wide range of bird wildlife and a whole lot more. The park offers daily shows and animal encounters, you can even feed some of the resident kangaroos. Click here to learn more.
Segway Adventures
The Adventure Centre offers a fantastic range of activities for the whole family, including thrilling off-road segway experiences. Whether you're eager to shoot your shot in a game of segway soccer or zip around on an off-road segway tour through the picturesque vineyards the Adventure Centre at The Farm has you covered. Click here to learn more.
School Holiday activities at voco Kirkton Park
Excite your little ones these Winter school holidays with a family getaway at voco Kirkton Park. Get up close and personal with vocos resident pigs and chicken at their petting farm, enjoy movie nights with popcorn or snuggle up by the indoor and outdoor fire roasting marshmallows, enjoying mulled wine (for the parents) and spotting the stars in starlit open skies of the Hunter Valley. Book their Memorable Moments package for overnight accommodation, a welcome gift, gourmet buffet breakfast and choice of tickets to the Hunter Valley Gardens or Wildlife Park. Click here to learn more.
Aqua Golf & Putt Putt
Don't miss out on the fun at Hunter Valley Gardens with Aqua Golf and Putt Putt. Whether it's your first time or your tenth, these activities promise endless entertainment for the entire family. Test your skills and enjoy some friendly competition, with the added bonus of winning fantastic local prizes. It's a guaranteed great time that will keep everyone smiling. Click here to learn more.
Kids cooking classes
Kids In The Kitchen with Chef Matt at The Deck Cafe & Gartelmann Wines
Monday 7th July - Tuesday 8th July
Let the kids take the reins in the kitchen these school holidays with a fun and interactive cooking class at The Deck Café Lovedale. Guided by renowned local chef Chef Matt Dillow, young foodies will roll up their sleeves and learn how to create a delicious three-course lunch from scratch. The class is hands-on, creative, and end with get to eat their tasty creations. Click here to learn more.
Kids Italian Cooking classes at Our Italian Table
Thursday 17 July 2025 - Gnocchi class (waitlist available for other dates)
Let the kids discover the joy of Italian cooking these school holidays with a hands-on pasta or gnocchi making class at Our Italian Table. Designed for kids aged 8 to 14 this hands-on workshop is all about learning the traditional art of pasta or gnocchi, creating seasonal sauces, and even whipping up a batch of biscotti. After the fun in the kitchen, you’ll sit down together to enjoy the fruits of your labour over a shared lunch. * All Children must be accompanied by an adult. Click here to learn more.
Horse Riding
Saddle up and take in the spectacular valley views with a horse riding adventure. Explore the Hunter Valley's natural wonders on horseback, with options for trail rides, guided tours, and even carriage rides. Check out Hunter Valley Horses, Hunter Valley Horse Riding and Adventures or Prestige Horse Carriages for an outdoor experience that combines breathtaking scenery with the joy of horse riding. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the region. Click here to learn more.
Go Karts Go and Rally Cars
Feeling the need, the need for speed? Experience the Hunter region's biggest, fastest and most exciting 4-stroke go kart hire at Go Karts Go Hunter Valley. Or for something different get behind the wheel of a turbo rally car with purpose-built rally cars including Subaru WRX, Mitsubishi Evo and even a Toyota 86 for some rear-wheel drive fun at Rallyschool. Create exhilarating fun for the whole family. Click here to learn more.
The Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Festival
Despite having a focus on the regions’ premium wines and beers for mum and dad, the Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Festival is the perfect winter day out for the whole family. Let the kids run with an unlimited pass to Kids Zone which includes a jumping castle, train rides, face painting and more. Click here to learn more.
Hike through our National Parks
Get ready for an exciting adventure with a bush walk through one of the many national parks. Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful nature as you explore. For amazing views across the Hunter Valley, you can hike up to Mount Bright Lookout, Bimbadeen Lookout, or Pokolbin Mountains Road lookout. It's a great way to get your heart pumping and have fun with the family. Click here to learn more.
Family Friendly Wineries in the Hunter Valley
Many of our most popular wineries are not only family friendly but offer thoughtful extras, just for them.
WINERIES THAT OFFER KIDS TASTINGS
Why should the grown-ups have all the fun? Let the kids join in with their own special tasting adventures. While you enjoy your wine tasting at one of the many cellar doors, the little ones can have non-alcoholic tasting and pairing experiences at places like Tulloch Wines, Scarborough Wine Co., Wild Ren Wines, Saddler's Creek Wines and Pokolbin Estate. It's a fun and delicious way for everyone to be entertained. Or, let the kids run wild at Winmark Wines as they explore the properties art walk with an interactive colouring in guide whilst you sip Winmarks award winning Chardonnays.
WINERIES WITH SPACE TO PLAY
With wide open spaces and cellar doors situated on large estates, many venues offer large open spaces for kids to enjoy while you have your wine tasting. Be sure to pay a visit to places like Mercer Wines, Talits Estate, Scarborough Wine Co., Elbourne Wines and Tulloch Wines who offer outdoor games and activities, and John Wallace Wines, Oakvale Wines and Hollydene Estate with large outdoor spaces to enjoy as a family. There are so many wineries in the Hunter Valley that cater to families. For a full list of wineries in the Hunter Valley, please click here.
Family Passes
Here’s some combination deals too sweet to pass up.
De Iuliis Hunter Valley Family Fun Pass
Discover the ultimate Hunter Valley family adventure with the all-in-one pass for two adults and two kids (aged 3-18), priced at $365. Your day begins at De Iuliis Wines with a wine tasting for adults and activity packs for kids, followed by a delightful cheese, fudge, and gelato experience at Hunter Belle Cheese Room. Conclude your unforgettable day with lunch and drinks at Taste of the Country, then immerse yourselves in the wonders of the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. Click here to learn more.
Saddler’s Creek Family Fun Pass
A curated family experience of indulgence and entertainment, designed so everyone in the family can enjoy the best the region has to offer. The package includes a guided tasting of premium wines at Saddler’s Creek Wines and kids tasting with fun drinks and tasting notes, a cheese plate to share and entry to Hunter Valley Wildlife Park (2 adults + 2 children). Click here to learn more.
This blog is by the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association.
